Michelle Murray
President Joe Biden has announced he’s issuing a federal pardon to every American who has used marijuana in the past, including those who were never arrested or prosecuted.
In a press release issued by the White House, the President stated he had exercised his “authority under the Constitution to pardon individuals who committed or were convicted of the offense of simple possession of marijuana.”
He went on to explain in the press release that “convictions for simple possession of marijuana have imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Through this proclamation, consistent with the grant of Proclamation 10467, I am pardoning additional individuals who may continue to experience the unnecessary collateral consequences of a conviction for simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana.”
The proclamation from the President includes language that states “regardless of whether they have been charged with or prosecuted for these offenses on or before the date of this proclamation.”
President Biden said it is not his intent to pardon any other offenses involving other controlled substances or activity beyond simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, such as possession of marijuana with intent to distribute or driving offenses committed while under the influence of marijuana. This pardon does not apply to individuals who were non-citizens not lawfully present in the United States at the time of their offense.
Attorney General, acting through the Pardon Attorney, shall review all properly submitted applications for certificates of pardon and shall issue such certificates of pardon to eligible applicants in due course.